Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over in Force for Holiday

The 4th of July holiday is coming up and the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department wants it to be a safe one for you and your family.

With that in mind, the department is once again participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign.

According to the police department, each year on July 4th, Americans celebrate the birth and freedoms of this country. Before you head out for your celebrations, make sure you plan for a sober way home. Texarkana Arkansas Police Department is taking part in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, June 29-July 5, 2018, to put an end to drunk driving. In support of law enforcement’s dedication to protecting the lives of residents in their communities, you’ll see increased enforcement on the roads with zero tolerance for those who drive impaired.

During the 2016 Fourth of July holiday (6 p.m. July 2 to 5:59 a.m. July 6), 188 people were killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. This is a 28-percent increase from 2015, during which 146 people were killed during the same holiday period. That’s 188 families who will forever remember Independence Day with a heavy heart and nightmarish memories.

Prepare for the Fourth

This Fourth of July, the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department and NHTSA urge drivers to designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If you plan on drinking, plan on not driving.

Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride sharing service to get home safely.

If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department.

Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

The Costs of Drunk Driving

Drinking and driving is dangerous, even if you’re “just buzzed.” When you drive impaired, you risk your life and safety, and the lives and safety of those riding with you and around you. Does mortality not get your attention? Maybe money will: A DUI arrest could cost you up to $10,000, not to mention the loss of your vehicle and driver’s license. You could face jail time, higher insurance rates, and hefty expenses from attorney fees, fines, car towing, repairs, and lost time at work. Imagine trying to explain that to your family, friends, or employer.

This Fourth of July, commit to only driving 100-percent sober. Don’t lose your independence on Independence Day, and don’t be a deadly risk to yourself and other innocent people. Remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. For more information on impaired driving, visit this website.